Kibaale East County MP Frank Tumwebaze has called on the leadership of the 12th Parliament to consider reforms to the parliamentary calendar and dress code, shortly after the election of Rt Hon Oboth Oboth as Speaker and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker.
In a congratulatory message addressed to the two leaders, Tumwebaze urged them to prioritize arrangements that allow legislators more time in their constituencies, arguing that closer engagement with voters would strengthen oversight and improve service delivery.
He proposed a more flexible parliamentary calendar that would give MPs adequate recess periods to conduct barazas and community outreach programmes.
According to him, regular interaction with constituents is key to assessing the impact of government programmes and building a more responsive legislature.
“I request for a flexible Parliamentary calendar that allows members reasonable amount of recess time to spend with their constituents doing barazas and outreaches,” Tumwebaze said.
Tumwebaze also linked constituency engagement to political accountability, saying it could help reduce the high turnover of MPs in future elections by strengthening voter trust.
“An MP having enough time listening to the people and monitoring the impact of government programmes is one of the enablers of oversight and getting a people-centred Parliament that you pledged to us yesterday in your maiden acceptance speeches,” he added.
He said a people-centred Parliament can only be achieved when legislators are given sufficient time to monitor development projects and listen directly to citizens’ concerns.
On a lighter note, Tumwebaze also raised concerns about the current parliamentary dress code, calling for amendments to allow more African-inspired attire alongside the traditional Kaunda suit.
He suggested the inclusion of outfits such as Kitenge shirts, Mandela-style shirts, and smart casual wear as acceptable parliamentary dress, arguing that the strict formal wear requirements are uncomfortable and do not reflect African identity.
“And on a lighter note, please let’s amend the rules and bring back our African wear dressing (Mandela shirts, bitenge shirts, smart casual, etc) in addition to Kaunda suit to form part of the acceptable Parliamentary wear,” he said.
The MP remarked humorously that neckties and suits were “killing” him, a comment that drew attention on social media and sparked debate over balancing formal institutional standards with cultural expression.
“Neck-ties and suits are killing us. I didn’t sleep last night!” he added.
His remarks came a day after Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa were elected into the top leadership positions in Parliament, taking charge of a House that has pledged to focus on efficiency and stronger public engagement.